Posts tagged “macaroon trivia”

Five Facts about Macaroons:

The original macaroon was a “small sweet cake consisting largely of ground almonds” similar to Italian amaretti.

The English word macaroon and French macaron come from the Italian maccarone or maccherone.

Most recipes call for egg whites (usually whipped to stiff peaks), with ground or powdered seeds, generally almonds or nuts.

The Scottish macaroon is a sweet confection with a thick velvety centre covered in chocolate and topped with roasted coconut.

In North America, the coconut macaroon is the better known variety.

Today’s Food History

1744 Richard Lovell Edgeworth died. An Anglo-Irish inventor, among his many inventions and innovations were a turnip cutter, various improvements in agricultural machines, and a velocipede.

1790 The first U.S. copyright law was signed by George Washington.

1836 The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel opened in New York City.

1884 Dr. John Harvey Kellogg applied for a patent for ‘flaked cereal’ (corn flakes). It was his brother Will Keith Kellogg who became rich & famous by marketing the new cereal commercially. 1892 Lea & Perrins label was trademarked.

1974 Adelle Davis died. Nutritionist, and author of ‘Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit.’ She promoted many theories that have been labeled as unfounded and dangerous by the medical community.

Happy Chocolate Macaroon Day

Did you know…

Coconut macaroons are often dipped in chocolate, typically milk chocolate.

The original macaroon was a “small sweet cake consisting largely of ground almonds” similar to Italian amaretti.

The English word macaroon and French macaron come from the Italian maccarone or maccherone.

This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat, in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient.

Most recipes call for egg whites (usually whipped to stiff peaks), with ground or powdered seeds, generally almonds or nuts. Alternatively, coconuts, a seed, can be used.

Today’s Food History

1539 Hernando De Soto claimed Florida for Spain

1805 Adolphe Duglere was born. A pupil of Careme, head chef of the Rothschild family, and head chef of the famous 19th century Paris restaurant, the Cafe Anglais.

1841 R.I.P. Nicolas Francois Appert. Inventor of the canning process, preserving food by sealing it in sterilized containers. He published the results of 14 years of research in 1810 & received 12,000 franc award from French government.

1944 Michael Clark of the music group ‘Flying Burrito Brothers’ was born.

1964 T.S. Eliot wrote to Groucho Marx: “The picture of you in the newspaper saying that, amongst other reasons, you have come to London to see me has greatly enhanced my credit line in the neighborhood, and particularly with the greengrocer across the street.”

1970 R.I.P. Emmett J. Culligan. He was the founder of the water treatment company that carries his name. (“Hey, Culligan man!”).

1970 Ray Davies of the Kinks traveled round trip from New York to London to change 2 words in the song ‘Lola,’ (Coca-Cola to Cherry Cola) because of a BBC ban on commercial references.